Introduction
As North Korea is an increasingly isolated and reclusive state with limited external trade, understanding the prevalence and use of marijuana in this part of the world is extremely challenging. North Korea is not an open society and therefore, it is exceptionally difficult to research its drug institutions and policies. Nevertheless, given its unique history and geopolitical setting, some educated guesses may be made in answering the question of whether there is marijuana in North Korea.
For starters, the vast majority of marijuana consumed in North Korea is domestically grown. While there is no reliable information on the extent of its cultivation and whether it is strictly for domestic use, there are reports that indicate production of marijuana for the international black market.
Apart from anecdotal evidence of marijuana being smuggled from North Korea, there is speculation that the communistic system of control may be pushing it underground and making it difficult to obtain. To complicate matters further, North Korean law enforcement has been known to target illegal drugs users, though no one knows for sure the) extent to which this is enforced.
So with all of this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the laws and regulations regarding marijuana in North Korea, as well as the prevalence of marijuana use in the country.
North Korean Laws and Regulations
Regardless of the Cannabis Act 1959 that decriminalized the use, possession, and consumption of marijuana in North Korea, possession, sale, and use of the drug remain punishable crimes that may involve imprisonment or even capital punishment depending on the magnitude and nature of the offense.
According to a report released by the United Nations in 2013, North Korean law enforcement is particularly intolerant of marijuana use and has been known to carry out executions or huge fines for offences related to marijuana. This intense legal scrutiny means that marijuana use is very much discouraged in North Korean society and is likely the most heavily regulated substance.
North Korean law does not differentiate between marijuana and ‘harder’ drugs like cocaine and heroin and considers them all to be illegal. This means that, even if marijuana is technically illegal and punishable by death, it is unlikely to be as harshly punished or targeted as would be the case in other countries.
However, this does not necessarily mean that the use of marijuana is completely restricted in North Korea. Reports suggest that it is relatively easy to obtain marijuana in the country, even if this is done discreetly and away from the prying eyes of the authorities.
Crucially, North Korea does not appear to be a major producer of cannabis, despite its potential for commercial gain. This means that it is unlikely to be exported or smuggled abroad in large quantities.
Popularity of Marijuana Use in North Korea
One of the major issues when trying to answer the question of whether there is weed in North Korea is the difficulty in determining just how popular it is among the population. This is because, in a state as secluded as North Korea, it is difficult to have access to reliable sources of information that can accurately portray what the prevalence of marijuana usage is in the country.
Nonetheless, due to reports from defectors and other anecdotal evidence, it is believed that marijuana is consumed in North Korea among a small percentage of the population. This indicates that while it is not as widely available nor used as in other countries, it still has some presence in North Korea.
Moreover, some reports suggest that marijuana is popular among young North Koreans, particularly those in the military. This may imply that marijuana is not just limited to a select few but is also used by regular citizens; something which could not be verified without direct access to the North Korean population.
Overall, due to the lack of reliable information sources, it is difficult to accurately assess how popular marijuana use is in North Korea. However, it does appear that marijuana does have some presence in the country, albeit on a limited scale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether there is weed in North Korea is difficult to answer definitively due to the extreme difficulty in obtaining reliable data. Aside from anecdotal evidence, there is no real way of knowing the extent to which marijuana is used in the country, nor whether it is transported in or out.
What can be said is that North Korea has some of the harshest drug laws in the world and that marijuana, along with other ‘hard drugs’, is illegal and strictly monitored. However, there does appear to be a presence of marijuana in North Korea and some reports suggest that it is popular among a small number of the population, particularly in the military.
At the end of the day, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about marijuana in North Korea simply due to the lack of reliable and consistent data. What can be said is that citizens should be aware of the legal consequences of using the drug in the country, and take extra caution when considering doing so.
History of Legality
In recent years, North Korea has become increasingly restrictive in its regulations surrounding marijuana use. In 2009, North Korean law decriminalized the use and possession of marijuana, though it remained heavily regulated. Subsequently, though, the Korean People’s Army took a tough stance on the drug and made it a punishable crime.
Research suggests that marijuana was used in North Korea for medicinal purposes long before it was criminalized, though the extent of the use is unknown. It has also been suggested that marijuana has been grown in the country for a small-scale local market, though the reliability of this information could not be verified.
Despite all of this, there is no clear evidence to suggest whether marijuana is widely used in North Korea or is just consumed on limited occasions. Nevertheless, it is certain that marijuana is illegal and heavily monitored by the authorities, and citizens should take extra care when considering using it in the country.
Reasons Behind Restrictions
So why is North Korea so restrictive when it comes to the legalization of marijuana? For starters, North Korea has always had a strict stance on commercial activity, as the country put a great emphasis on the control of information and resources.
In addition, North Korea is reliant on international aid in order to survive, so the authorities are highly concerned about anything that might affect the nation’s reputation. This is why North Korea has taken a tough stance on illegal drugs, and marijuana is no exception.
Finally, the North Korean government is wary of its citizens becoming too relaxed, particularly in public settings. By keeping marijuana illegal, they are able to control the behavior of their citizens by making them fear punishment.
Ultimately, it is clear that North Korea intends to maintain its hard line approach to marijuana and any other illegal drug. This is a sign of the authoritarian nature of the government and its desire to control information and resources.
International Pressure
North Korea is facing international pressure to relax its policies on marijuana, but it is unlikely that any such change will occur any time soon. For starters, North Korea’s neighbours such as China and South Korea are among the most restrictionist countries in the world when it comes to drug regulations.
Moreover, North Korea is also highly sensitive to any criticism from within the international community and its willingness to cooperate on any matter is highly limited. As such, it is unlikely for North Korea to take any concrete steps towards the legalization of marijuana, no matter how much pressure it is receiving from the international community.
At the same time, though, North Korea has recently begun to open up to the outside world and has shown interest in international cooperation. This could lead to some changes in the nation’s stance on drugs, though it is difficult to predict exactly when and how this will happen.
In any case, it is clear that North Korea is unlikely to change its stance on marijuana anytime soon. The nation remains highly restrictive and is unwilling to accept any international pressure to legalize the drug.
Consequences of Marijuana in North Korea
Despite the inherent risk of using marijuana in North Korea, there are some positive aspects to it as well. For one, it can provide an escape from the highly stressful environment of North Korean life. Moreover, since marijuana is still relatively easy to obtain, it could be seen as a form of rebellion against the restrictive regime.
That being said, there are also some serious consequences of marijuana use in North Korea. Aside from the legal implications, marijuana use could lead to addiction and psychological issues if not properly monitored. Moreover, since North Korean authorities are known to be harsh in their punishment for drug offences, citizens should be extremely cautious when considering using the drug.
On a wider scale, marijuana has the potential to adversely affect the social fabric of North Korean society. An increase in use would undoubtedly lead to an increase in exchange and trafficking of the drug, something that would stoke tension and crime in the country.
Overall, North Korea is a highly restrictive state when it comes to marijuana and other drugs. Nevertheless, some reports suggest that the drug is relatively easy to obtain and is growing in popularity in some circles. As such, citizens should take extra caution when considering using it as the consequences can be severe.
